The Royal Television Society (RTS) announced Mr Morgan as the presenter for its awards night three days ago, which Mr Morgan said he agreed to host without a fee.

At the time, Theresa Wise, the CEO of RTS, said: ""Morgan’s reputation for being opinionated and his wealth of experience working within the industry make him the perfect host and we look forward to a lively event."

But many TV figures criticised the choice, including awards judge Bonnie Greer. Ms Greer said that she was "honoured to be a judge" for the awards on Twitter, but would decline to attend the dinner because of Mr Morgan's role.

Ms Greer, a writer and critic, cited Mr Morgan's support of the US President, who has attacked TV news organisations as "enemies of the American people".

A petition to stop him from presenting the awards currently has nearly 200 signatures on the website Change.org. It says it is "NOT acceptable" for Morgan to be the host and the RTS "must reconsider their position".

He said he had decided to step aside because he did not want to become a "distraction" from the awards, which celebrate the best of British television.

The former newspaper editor said he had received criticism that he lacked the "creative excellence" required to present the awards, and he had "failed to understand a social movement that values equality and diversity of voice".

In a statement on his Facebook page Mr Morgan said: "I was recently invited to host the Royal Television Society Programme Awards.

"As someone who has worked in British and American television for most of this Millennium, on a variety of shows, I thought it might be fun and agreed to do it without any fee.

"After my role was announced, a campaign was started to have me banned. It suggested that I lack the ‘creative excellence’ criteria required for presenting such an event and therefore my presence would be ‘damaging’ and ‘inappropriate.’

"Further, I have ‘failed to understand a social movement that values equality and diversity of voice.’

"Apparently, this movement does not extend to tolerating my own diverse voice. I have no wish to serve as an unnecessary distraction from award winners whose hard work and skill should be celebrated without any of the silly noise this campaign has generated.

"So, I am now withdrawing from hosting the evening. Good luck to everyone who has been nominated."